Were you aware that your risk of developing age-related hearing loss can be increased if you have high blood pressure?
Age-related hearing loss normally begins to manifest in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. You most likely won’t even detect your developing hearing loss even though it’s a permanent condition. Years of noise damage is usually the cause. So how does hypertension lead to hearing loss? The blood vessels in your ears and your blood vessels in general can be damaged by high blood pressure.
What is blood pressure (and why is it important?)
Blood pressure is a measure of how rapidly blood runs through your circulatory system. High blood pressure means that this blood moves more quickly than normal. Damage to your blood vessels can happen over time because of this. These blood vessels that have been damaged lose their elasticity and frequently become blocked. A blockage can lead to a stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Healthcare professionals tend to pay very close attention to a patient’s blood pressure for this reason.
What constitutes high blood pressure?
Here are the general ratings for high blood pressure:
- Normal: 120/8o
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or Higher/90 or higher
A hypertensive crisis happens when your blood pressure is over 180/120. Immediate treatment is needed when this happens.
How is hearing loss caused by hypertension?
Hypertension can cause widespread damage to your blood vessels, including the blood vessels inside of your ear. As these blood vessels become damaged, it’s likely that the nerves in your ear also suffer lasting damage. The tiny hairs in your ears responsible for picking up vibrations, known as stereocilia, can also be negatively impacted by high blood pressure. These stereocilia are not able to self-regeneration, so any damage they incur is irreversible.
This means that damage to the ears, no matter the cause, can cause irreversible hearing loss. Studies found that people who have healthy blood pressure readings tend to have a far lower prevalence of hearing loss. People who reported higher blood pressure were also more likely to have more extreme hearing loss. The findings of the study make clear that keeping your blood pressure under control can help you avoid the effects of hearing loss.
What does high blood pressure make your ears feel like?
In most cases, high blood pressure is a symptomless condition. So-called “hot ears” aren’t an indication of high blood pressure. “Hot ears” is an affliction where your ears feel hot and become red. Typically, it’s a sign of changes in blood flow related to emotions, hormones, and other non-blood pressure-associated problems.
In some circumstances, high blood pressure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. But how do you know if tinnitus is a result of high blood pressure? It’s impossible to definitively tell without talking to a doctor or hearing specialist. In general, however, tinnitus isn’t a symptom of high blood pressure. There’s a reason that high blood pressure is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”.
Usually, it’s not until you get your vitals taken at your annual exam that high blood pressure is detected. This is one good reason to make sure you go to your yearly appointments.
How can you lower your blood pressure?
Normally, there are a number of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. That’s why lowering blood pressure may require a variety of approaches. Your primary care physician should be where you address your high blood pressure. Here’s what that management might entail:
- Take medication as prescribed: In some instances, high blood pressure can’t be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Although diet and exercise can be helpful, there are some situations where it will be necessary to take blood pressure medication as prescribed to manage hypertension.
- Avoid sodium: Pay attention to the amount of salt in your food, especially processed foods. Find lower salt alternatives when possible (or stay away from processed foods when you can).
- Get more exercise: Your blood pressure can be kept under control by getting regular exercise.
- Diet changes: Your blood pressure can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet. Eat more fruits and veggies and avoid things like red meat.
You and your primary care provider will develop a treatment plan to address your blood pressure. Can hearing loss from high blood pressure be reversed? In some circumstances the answer is yes and in others not so much. There is some evidence to suggest that lowering your blood pressure can help restore your hearing, at least in part. But it’s also likely that at least some of the damage incurred will be permanent.
The sooner your high blood pressure is lowered, the more likely it will be that your hearing will get better.
Protecting your hearing
While lowering your blood pressure can undoubtedly be good for your health (and your hearing), there are other ways to safeguard your hearing. This could include:
- Talk to us: Any existing hearing loss can be protected and early detection will be possible by getting routine hearing screenings.
- Avoiding loud venues and events: Try to steer clear of overly loud noises when you can, as these noises can result in damage to your ears. If you absolutely need to be in an environment with overly loud noise, at least limit your exposure time.
- Wear hearing protection: You can safeguard your hearing by utilizing earplugs, earmuffs, or noise canceling headphones.
If you have high blood pressure and are noticing symptoms of hearing loss, make sure to make an appointment with us so we can help you manage your hearing loss and safeguard your hearing health.